Just a few years ago, N. 11th Street between Wythe and Berry in north Williamsburg was a post-industrial no-man’s land. Since then, it has developed at hyper-speed into a hub of communal-table bars, artisanal cocktail spots and celebrity haunts. What began as a local nerve center is now a destination for people all over the city, and even further afield.
It’s not just for Saturdays either. You could spend every night of the week on this one block and never eat or drink at the same place twice. Here’s our guide to doing just that.
The Whiskey Brooklyn
44 Berry St., 718-387-8444; whiskeybrooklyn.com
It all started when: Manhattan’s much-loved Whiskey Town and Whiskey Tavern got this sibling in 2010. Local sports fans and overgrown frat boys congregate here for rowdy fun and upwards of 50 kinds of Scotch and whiskey.
Décor: Like a spacious rec room that comes complete with TVs and addictive bar games such as mini-basketball and skee-ball. If you’re good enough, you can win tokens and exchange them for drinks.
Order: Fried pickles ($5). The bar food won’t win any awards, but these greasy bad boys go down well.
Brooklyn Rod & Gun Club
59 Kent Ave., bklynrodandgun.com
It all started when: This cozy speakeasy/social club began to attract a crowd looking for a laid-back atmosphere away from the nearby buzz.
Décor: Like a cabin inside a boat — intimate and welcoming.
Best time to go: Every second Sunday when the venue plays host to an old-time hootenanny. Daily passes are $10 (which gets you two drinks).
Order: Rye whiskeys. Don’t embarrass yourself by asking for a cocktail — it’s not that kind of place.
Brooklyn Brewery
79 N. 11th St., 718-486-7422; brooklynbrewery.com
This long-standing landmark is definitely still worth a visit for its knockout beers. Get there for Friday’s happy hour as soon as doors open at 6p.m. and order the malty Winter Ale ($5).
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Ave., 718-963-3369, brooklynbowl.com
It’s the veteran venue of the area but still attracts people from miles around.
Best time to go: Questlove’s Thursday night’s DJ set is always a solid bet.
Order: Fried chicken, (white meat, $22). It’s a bit pricey, but the vast portions and the miracle combination of perfect crispness and no grease means that you’ll know where your cash went.
The Ides at Wythe Hotel
80 Wythe Ave., 718-460-8004; wythehotel.com
It all started when: the Wythe Hotel opened last May. Their rooftop bar was an instant attraction thanks to its awe-inspiring view of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Last September, Azealia Banks (inset) rocked the rooftop during a super-secret Fashion Week show.
Best time to go: As soon as. The bar opens at 5 p.m. and gets full quickly, at which point the velvet rope comes in to play. Then it’s one in/one out or a case of hoping the hostess takes a liking to you and lets you skip the line.
Order: Last Word cocktail ($14). A gin based concoction with a refreshing, acidic bite — ideal for the upcoming spring months.
The Counting Room
44 Berry St., 718-599-1860; countingroom .com
It all started when: this rustic, dual-level wine bar kick-started a buzz with an array of cocktails and top-notch bar food that attracts a yuppified but boisterous crowd.
Best time to go: The monthly house and disco night Resonate held in the basement has become a cult success, and at a $5 cover fee, it won’t break the bank.
Order: Deviled eggs at the bar ($3 to $4) — there are three different varieties.
Mable’s Smokehouse & Banquet Hall
44 Berry St. (entrance on N. 11th Street), 718-218-6655; mablessmokehouse.com
It all started when: artist Jeff Lutonsky opened up his own barbecue shack using his grandmother Mable’s secret barbecue recipes.
Décor: Wooden barn-like interior in an old factory building.
Order: Platter for $14.95 that includes one meat (the pulled pork is sublime) with two sides (one of which should be the creamy potato salad).
Kinfolk Studios
90 Wythe Ave., 347-799-2946; kinfolklife.com
It all started when: the super successful bar Kinfolk in Tokyo launched a sister venue in Brooklyn incorporating a coffee shop, a Scandinavian restaurant and a bar in one huge warehouse space. Now it’s one of the coolest places in Brooklyn — the artist crowd loves it.
Order: Next of Kin ($12) — a sweet, refreshing cocktail that combines kombucha and aquavit to create a Nordic answer to the humble mojito.